On April 14, the Government of New Brunswick made a major tuition announcement affecting students from low-income and middle-class families: tuition to publicly-funded universities and colleges would be free.
"While this is welcome news to some, the government is neglecting to include students choosing to attend regulated career colleges," said Serge Buy, CEO of the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC). "Regulated career colleges offer specialized training typically not available in public institutions. Leaving these students out of this major announcement seems short sighted."
Earlier this year, the Government of Ontario made a similar announcement to assist students from low-income families. It extended support for students attending regulated career colleges.
"All programs offered at regulated career colleges are reviewed and approved by provincial governments," added Mr. Buy. "They are high quality programs producing graduates for jobs that are in-demand now."
Students should not be discriminated based on their educational choices. When students attend regulated career colleges in order to train for jobs that exist, to gain employment faster and to provide their families by getting an education at an institution of their choice, the government should support them.
Existing since the late 1800s, regulated career colleges offer specialized training in high demand sectors, including:
- Skilled trades
- Health care
- Early childhood education
- IT/business
- Personal support
NACC and the New Brunswick Association of Career Colleges call for the New Brunswick government to amend their initial announcement and include regulated career college students.
For more information
442 Grey Street, Unit G
Brantford Ontario
Canada N3S 7N3
www.nacc.ca
